Introduction

Today I’m on my way from Zürich to Paris. There are four daily train pairs by TGV between Zürich and Paris, which make the journey in four hours and four minutes. However, as I’ll be staying at Charles de Gaulle airport, it’s actually quicker to fly this time.

Check-in

I arrive at the airport at 16h36. My flight to Paris will start boarding at 18h25, so I still have plenty of time. I’ve already checked in online using the Air France app. They’re gradually introducing self-service check-in and baggage drop machines at Zürich Airport, and I think Air France was one of the first airlines that was enabled to use the service. I’m curious to try it out, but since I’ll be travelling on from Paris, I eventually decide not to drop off my suitcase for this leg in case I end up losing it. Maybe next time. The self-service machines are located on row 5, on the mezzanine level of Check-In 3. The manned Business Class counters are one floor up on row 2.

Airside

Security is very quick and painless. However, the airside area is rather crowded and busy. I don’t bother with the contractor lounge that Air France uses here in Zürich. It’s likely very crowded. Instead, I park myself by the windows in the airside centre that connects the A and the B piers.

Zürich Airport recently opened its own lounge, which is referred to as the ZRH Club. It’s pretty much deserted and stays like that for the duration of my stay. It’s rather a strange set up, and I wonder just how many passengers actually even know it’s there. The lounge is completely open. At a glance, it looks like it’s part of the public airside area. It’s only as you approach that you notice that there’s an electronic barrier to get in.

Boarding

Boarding for the flight starts at 18h35 with a slight delay. It looks like it’s a full flight this evening. Boarding is by zones, and strictly enforced by the gate agent. Unlike the A pier, the B pier, from where the flight is boarding, is very quiet.

The Cabin & Seat

I’m seated on 1A. There are only two rows of Business Class on this flight, and all eight seats are occupied. There is a cushion at every seat. I also notice that this appears to be one of Air France’s refurbished A 320s that are equipped with considerably larger overhead bins.

On the bulkhead row, the tray table is mounted directly on the bulkhead. It’s rather an odd contraption and later on during the flight, when the meal is served, it keeps sliding forward. But at least the seat pitch is comfortable.

Boarding takes an eternity, so that eventually we push off our stand with a delay of fifteen minutes.

The Service & Crew

The crew are typical of Air France. They’re friendly and professional. Once boarding is completed, they pass through the cabin offering packaged towels and still water. The flight time is announced as one hour.

The Meal – Light Dinner

As soon as we’re through the turbulence on the climb out, the crew is released and the service starts. Today they’re serving shrimps on a bed of red rice with a lobster and tarragon sauce, mushrooms and buckwheat. With that, there is a plate with Cantal and Saint Nectaire cheese and warm bread. For dessert it’s the classic chocolate fondant that is very rich and so dense your spoon remains sticking upright in it. To drink I have a Perrier.

Arrival

We land on the southern runway just after 20h15 and make out way to our stand at Terminal 2F. As we taxi in, I spot one of KLM’s gorgeous new A 321 NEOs. The livery suits the aircraft well. By the time I disembark it’s 20h25, which means we’re only ten minutes late.

Conclusion

Obviously, it’s rather difficult for an airline to shine on such a short flight. Even so, this was another pleasant experience with Air France, despite the fact that the flight was totally packed. What always impresses me with Air France is the professionalism of the crews and the consistency of their service delivery.